Snowbirds

Many astronomers and star gazers also enjoy bird watching. The skills acquired in observing, photographing and taking notes in astronomy transfer quite readily to birdwatching. Both require patience, planning and skill, but the excitement of nabbing the elusive Horsehead nebula or the Blue-bellied Sapsucker for the first time is the same in both cases.

Here are two more extremely rare sightings we've added to the Simo-ornithology list this year.

This is a rare December sighting of 'Ihateus winterii'. Normally migrating south to Mexico for the winter, this bird is much more at home by the pool than on a snow mound. Notice the fancy plumage intended to entice the male of the species to do the shoveling.

Also seen:This is a rare daytime sighting of the nocturnal 'Astronimus insanitis'. Undeterred by the fact that there has not been a clear night since October, he faithfully keeps the path to the observatory clear to impress the female, and... you never know, it might be clear tonight!